Flying resumes at Sanctuary

Spring has definitely sprung at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary. Whilst the Flying Team have got back into the swing of displays after an extended break due to Avian Influenza restrictions, SOS welcomed some new additions to the collection.

Two Critically Endangered Whitebacked Vultures arrived from a private collection and settled into their new home very quickly. A young female Yellow-headed Caracara joined the male, and a new Burrowing Owl is making itself at home by not using the burrows provided, preferring to sit on a high perch to watch the world go by! The Raptor Hospital is set up ready for another busy baby season, following a very busy 2022 which saw record numbers of young Tawny Owls requiring help. This species, the most common Owl found in the UK, is most often associated with woodlands, and prefers to nest in holes found near the top of big old trees. Today’s risk averse society sees old trees as dangerous, and the need for everything to look just-so has resulted in many suitable nesting trees being felled. Unfortunately, this has resulted in Tawny Owls choosing less-than-ideal locations, such as chimneys or single large trees with no surrounding branches for the young to explore and build up their confidence, balance and strength. This leads to the young falling to the ground and being “helped” by concerned members of the public, who pick them up and take them to vets or wildlife rescue centres such as Suffolk Owl Sanctuary. Often, the best thing to do is to leave the young alone, as they are quite capable of climbing back up the tree and mum will know exactly where they are (Tawny Owls are notoriously protective over their young and may attack a perceived threat!) If you find a young Owl on the ground, please observe from a distance, but if you’re concerned about ground-based dangers (dogs, roads etc) then call SOS for advice. You can also help by building a nest box and placing it in a suitable location, such as a woodland.

With May seeing an extra bank holiday to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III, there are plenty of activities with a Royal theme planned. There will also be the opportunity for visitors to see birds being flown and to learn more about the vital conservation work carried out by the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary team.

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is open between 10am and 5pm, seven days a week. The collection of over 80 birds of prey help to educate visitors about their work, including their Raptor Hospital for sick and injured wild birds of prey and a newly restarted nestbox project, which provides suitable nest sites for Owls and Kestrels across the local area.

For more information, please visit the website www.owl-help.org.uk or give them a call on 03456 807 897.

during the Spanish Inquisition, she switched to historical fiction and hasn’t looked back since. Join her from 7pm.

Book lovers will be delighted to know organisers of this popular, annual event have a truly packed programme for this years’ festival. Taking place across both stunning Harvest House in Cobbold Road in Felixstowe and also the Two Sisters Arts Centre in Trimley St Mary. Stages will be graced by both local, award-winning and international best-selling authors throughout the festival including…

On Saturday 24th June at 1.30pm sisters Esther Freud and Susie Boyt. Festival Patron Esther will be in conversation with Susie discussing their most recent books – I Couldn’t Love You More and Loved and Missed. The talk will be chaired by novelist Ruth Dugdall. Also, on Saturday you can meet Siobhan Daniels author of Retirement Rebel from 10.30am. Siobhan is a retired television and radio journalist who worked for the BBC for thirty years.

Nicola Upson will be on stage interviewing Amanda Craig discussing her fabulous new novel The Three Graces from 6pm.

Join in with one of the two hugely popular, cream teas and author chats. On Saturday afternoon from 3pm it’s the return of the popular Tea at Three. Mandy Morton returns to Felixstowe Book Festival featuring her unique, comedic world of cats in The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency series. Reading from her latest book The Windmill Murders.

At 4.30pm it’s the turn of number one bestselling author Louise Doughty (Apple Tree Yard which was turned into a top TV series starring Emily Watson). Louise will be speaking to guests about her most recent book, Platform Seven, recently adapted as a four-parter for ITVX, and her original BBC One hit series, Crossfire, starring Keeley Hawes.

Festival Patron Terry Waite will round off Saturday evening in relaxed style from 7.30pm. During this special event he will read short extracts from his writings interspersed with music played by the pianist Matthew Ricard. Experience the harmony that words and music can offer.

On Sunday afternoon from 1.30pm join Sarah Langford in conversation with Lord Deben: Rooted - Stories of Life, Land and a Farming Revolution. The nods to our rural county continue with two fascinating authors on Sunday afternoon from 3pm with a celebration of Suffolk Life. With not one but two hugely talented writers on stage. Ian Collins will be in conversation with Nicola Upson: Next to Nature - The Suffolk Life of Ronald Blythe. For a comprehensive look at all of the exciting talks, topics and workshops planned for this year’s Felixstowe Book Festival and to book your tickets go to www.felixstowebookfestival.co.uk you can sign up for the newsletter to be first to hear the latest news. You can also follow them on social media @felixstowebookfestival